what is the basis of aldol condensation

bulkier aldehyde or ketone forms carbanion and attack on smaller aldehyde or ketone

the H present on the carbon adjacent to C=O group, is acidic in nature is the main basis for aldol condensation to occur. so (in base catalysed reaction) base is able to extract that hydrogen atom and the carbon is left with negetive charge for attack on other carbonyl carbon of other similar or different molecule. forming β-hydroxyaldehyde or β-hydroxyketone,

In acid catalysed reaction O atom present on the carbonyl carbon is protonated and reaction is carried out furthur by attack of nucleophilllic enol form on the protonated carbonyl carbon.

vikash kumar

Btech. IIT Delhi